Border Hoppers in UAE Beware

Although not new regulations, stronger enforcement promised to prevent illegal employment.

A recent measure by the United Arab Emirates could affect ‘border hoppers’.

While working and living in the UAE without proper permits is risky business under almost any case, it may have gotten more difficult for citizens of over 170 countries.

Currently, visitors who leave the UAE, even after a day’s stay, have to wait for a month before they can apply for a visit visa again. Citizens of 33 countries do not have to wait one month before applying for a visit visa after leaving the UAE, a senior Interior Ministry official said.

“Citizens of nations who need to obtain an entry permit into the country through any one of the residency departments will not be able to apply for another visa immediately after they leave the country,” Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, acting Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Borders explained.

“Even if they stay here for two days and leave the country, they can come back after one month,” he said. There is no multiple entry visit visa, Maj. Gen. Al Menhali stressed.

“If a visitor comes here, then goes on vacation to a nearby country and wants to come back, he should wait for one month before returning here.” he said.

Maj. Gen. Al Menhali said these rules apply to people who need to apply for a visa prior to entering the UAE.

Multi-entry Business Visa is possible

Businessmen, who need to enter and leave the country several times, can apply for a multiple entry visa which is valid for six months, a senior Interior Ministry official said.

“Once this multiple entry visa expires, businessmen have to wait for a month before applying for another visa” Al Menhali added.

Maj. Gen. Al Menhali said the residency department deals with issuing visas on a case-by-case basis.

“We study each visa application and if it needs to be issued before the end of the one-month period, we can do it, but it will depend on the circumstances of the visa applicant.” the interior ministry official said.

Of course this regulation only applies to those obliged to apply for a visa prior to entering the UAE.
Citizens of the following 33 countries (eligible to get a visit visa issued upon arrival) are exempt from this regulation and may leave and re-enter the UAE any time.

1. Andorra
2. Australia
3. Austria
4. Belgium
5. Brunei
6. Canada
7. Denmark
8. Finland
9. France
10. Germany
11. Greece
12. Hong Kong
13. Iceland
14. Ireland
15. Italy
16. Japan
17. Liechtenstein
18. Luxembourg
19. Malaysia
20. Monaco
21. Netherlands (Holland)
22. New Zealand
23. Norway
24. Portugal
25. San Marino
26. Singapore
27. South Korea
28. Spain
29. Sweden
30. Switzerland
31. United Kingdom
32. United States
33. Vatican City

As Dubai is striving to be a hub for the cruise ship industry, there remains much confusion on how this new regulation will effect visiting passengers. Move One monitors the situation, and will post clarifications as possible.

Should you need assistance or advice with your relocation and immigration needs, Move One’s expertise and global coverage is at your service to help in a wide range of mobility issues, including work and residence permit advice, lease negotiation, expense management, pet relocation, international packing and shipping, fine art transportation, etc.

For more information, or a personalized free quote, contact relo@moveonerelo.com

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